Bay Area Cabaret presented this celebrated singer/songwriter for an evening of songs entitled In Their Own Words.  McBroom’s songs have have been recorded by the likes of Bette Midler (Grammy Award winner for "The Rose"), Leanne Rimes, Barry Manilow, Judy Collins, Barbara Cook, Anne Murray, Harry Belafonte, Betty Buckley, Stephanie Mills, The Manhattan Transfer, Donny Osmond, the Chipmunks, and the Baby Dinosaurs in Land Before Time.  McBroom has an extensive theatre background and is a capable storyteller which elevates her lyrics with added dimensions of emotion and sensitivity.

McBroom’s love of and background in musical theatre (she starred in the New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and European productions of Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, on Broadway in Seesaw, Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music and Mama) combined with her pristine voice gives her material a genuine, heartfelt ease.  Opening with a beautiful version of "Make Me a Kite," McBroom glided through old favorites like her poignant "Errol Flynn," the clever "Round," and the bittersweet "Old Love," then slowed down Cole Porter’s "I've Got You Under My Skin" before launching into a stunning Jacques Brel medley that included a sensational "Carousel." She ended her set with ‘The Rose’, made gigantic by Bette Midler, but always better sung by the composer. Amanda McBroom was sensational this evening and its easy to understand her large cabaret following and well-deserved reputation as one it’s best performers.

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
February 23, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org